"Home of the Pahiyas Festival and a Gateway to Spiritual
and Cultural Heritage"
๐ Rediscovering Lucban: A Second Visit, A Deeper Experience
The first time I visited Lucban was with my family, just to see the famous Kamay ni Hesus Shrine. But during my solo trip back, I realized this town had much more to offer.
Initially, I only planned to visit Lucban and the nearby town of Tayabas, but as with most unplanned travels, Lucban surprised me. With its peaceful charm, historical spots, local delicacies, and vibrant culture, I knew I had to write this guide — and come back again.
๐พ What Makes Lucban Famous?
Located at the foot of Mount Banahaw, Lucban is best known for the Pahiyas Festival, held every May 15 in honor of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers.
During this time, entire houses are dressed in vibrant kiping (rice wafers), fresh produce, and handmade decorations. The celebration transforms the town into a vibrant open-air museum, drawing crowds from across the country.
๐ Did you know?
The name “Pahiyas” is derived from the Indonesian word “Hiyas,” which
means “decoration.”
๐ง๐พ Lucban’s Proud History
Lucban is also the hometown of Apolinario dela Cruz, also known as Hermano Pule, a young revolutionary who fought for religious freedom under Spanish rule. He was executed at age 26 — a martyr, now honored with a provincial holiday and a monument in Sitio Pandak.
๐ [Read more here »]
๐ Local Flavors to Remember
Two things you must try in Lucban:
- ๐ Pancit Habhab (Pancit Lucban) – Traditionally served on a banana leaf and eaten without utensils.
- ๐ฅ Lucban Longganisa – A garlicky, vinegar-spiced native sausage, best enjoyed fried and paired with rice or vinegar dip.
Both are cheaper and fresher in Lucban compared to city markets — perfect for pasalubong!
๐ [Read more here »]
๐ Places to Visit in Lucban, Quezon
1. ⛪ Lucban Church (Church of Saint Louis, Bishop of Toulouse)
I’ve always had a soft spot for old churches, and Lucban Church didn’t disappoint. Just standing in front of it, I could feel its long and complicated history — from fires to wars. I couldn’t help but admire its quiet strength, still standing after everything it’s been through. ๐ [Read more here »]
2. ๐️ Lucban Municipal Hall & Plaza de la Revoluciรณn
This was one of those unexpected finds. I wasn’t looking for it — I was just walking around when I stumbled upon it. It may not be a typical tourist stop, but seeing how the town functions day to day gave me a new appreciation for Lucban’s simplicity. Plus, Rizal’s monument here really caught my eye — elegant and proudly placed. ๐ [Read more here »]
3. ๐ Native Product Stores
Tucked right behind the church, these shops were like a cultural side quest. I loved browsing through the handwoven fans, baskets, and bags. I’m always on the hunt for refrigerator magnets, but sadly, Lucban-themed ones weren’t available yet. Still, the craftsmanship in the native goods was more than enough to make the stop memorable.
4. ๐ด Eker and Ely Lucban Longganisa and Pasalubong
I wouldn’t have found this place if it weren’t for the locals. Everyone pointed me here when I asked where to get the best longganisa. And they weren’t wrong — the smell alone made me want to take some home right away. It was a pasalubong haven filled with sweets and savory delights that screamed “Lucban.” ๐ [Read more here »]
5. ✝️ Kamay ni Hesus Shrine & Via Dolorosa Grotto
This was the main reason for our first family trip to Lucban, and it still felt just as meaningful on my return. The climb to the top — with each station of the cross along the way — offered a quiet time to reflect. Standing beneath the 50-foot statue of Jesus felt grounding, like I was exactly where I needed to be. ๐ [Read more here »] and [here »]. For the pilgrimage, [click here »]
6. ⛪ Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church
Tucked inside the Kamay ni Hesus grounds, this church is where people pour their hopes into prayer. I sat quietly at the back during a healing Mass, observing the faith of those who came. You can feel how much this place means to the people, especially those who have nowhere else to turn. ๐ [Read more here »]
7. ๐️ Batis Aramin Resort & Hotel
I heard about Batis Aramin from a kind old lady on the bus. She insisted I check it out — and I’m glad I did. Even though I didn’t stay overnight, I saw enough to know I’d like to come back. The surroundings were peaceful, the staff were lovely, and it felt like a hidden sanctuary just across from Kamay ni Hesus. ๐ [Read more here »]
๐ Other Places of Interest
- ⛰️ Mt. Banahaw – Sacred and scenic, for seasoned trekkers and pilgrims
- ๐ณ Marcos Tigla Park – Local recreation spot
- ๐ฟ Kalbaryo Hill – A Lenten pilgrimage site
- ⚔️ Apolinario “Hermano Pule” Monument (Sitio Pandak) – Historical marker honoring Lucban’s revolutionary hero
๐ ๐ Click Here for How to Get toLucban, Quezon
๐ Lucban isn’t just a festival town or a pilgrimage stop. It’s a place of rich culture, spiritual depth, warm people, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
If you're planning a Southern Luzon road trip, make Lucban more than a stopover — make it a destination.
๐ฌ Planning to visit soon? Let me know in the comments which spot you’re most excited to see!
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading! Please share and like my Facebook page :)